Assists the work of Social Workers and Welfare Workers by providing services and support to families.

Skill Level

2

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Family Support Worker is Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

Must hold a relevant qualification which can be one of the following:

• A relevant diploma or higher with a specialisation in family services or children and families
• An ACWA accredited diploma or higher with a specialisation in family services or children and families
• A relevant qualification (non-specialised): A relevant qualification related to community services and comparable to AQF level 5 or higher
• A relevant qualification has a focus on providing community and human services and will typically cover:
  • sociology; social, political, economic structures and function
  • social policy, human development and function including psychological, physical and social aspects
  • general and specialised welfare services and systems
  • work with individuals, families, groups and communities
  • communication, basic counselling and interpersonal skills
  • additional subjects which could include child development, social justice, child protection, mental health, case management, group theory, drug and alcohol issues, crisis intervention, psychology, youth work, working with children and families, community development, juvenile justice, family violence.
  • Note: where an applicant has a qualification that is less focused on welfare and community services, this may be supported by a significant amount of relevant work experience. However, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Proficiency in English
    • Applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency in one of the following ways:
      • English language test results – must be within 3 years of the application
        • IETLS Level 7.0 in all bands
        • PTE Academic 65 in each band
        • Advanced (CAE) 185 in each band
        • TOEFL IBT PTE 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking
      • Study conducted in English from a country where English is the main language
      • Two years of relevant industry experience in an English-speaking country
      • A suitable skills assessment that expired within the last 6 months
    • Employment and Currency
      • Applicants must demonstrate that they have post-qualification industry experience at the appropriate skill level. This includes the following:
        • Minimum 3 years full time or part time equivalent industry experience in the last 5 years including at least 1 year of experience in a welfare centre management role in the last 2 years

provide support, information and advice to clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters, and evaluate and coordinate the services of welfare and community service agencies.

Tasks

• assessing clients’ needs and planning, developing and implementing educational, training and support programs
• interviewing clients and assessing the nature and extent of difficulties
• monitoring and reporting on the progress of clients
• referring clients to agencies that can provide additional help
• assessing community need and resources for health, welfare, housing, employment, training and other facilities and services
• liaising with community groups, welfare agencies, government bodies and private businesses about community issues and promoting awareness of community resources and services
• supporting families and providing education and care for children and disabled persons in adult service units, group housing and government institutions
• supervising offenders on probation and parole
• assisting young people to solve social, emotional and financial problems
• preparing submissions for funding and resources, and reports to government bodies and other agencies

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Occupations in this Group

• 411711 Community Worker
• 411712 Disabilities Services Officer
• 411713 Family Support Worker
• 411714 Parole or Probation Officer
• 411715 Residential Care Officer
• 411716 Youth Worker